Texas State University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Texas State University know before they start?

Deanna

Visit the colleges that you plan on attending. It will help you get a feel for them, and also show you what kind of setting you will feel most comfortable in or that you like being in. The atmosphere of the college most often determines whether you want to go there or not. Be sure to walk the campus on your visit to know what the terrain is like and get a feel for which dorms you would most likely be more comfortable in. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions. It can give you valuable information about not only the question that you were asking, but also how the administration of the college responds to questions. This enables you to have more information for your decision. Furthermore, do not discount colleges just based on cost because most of the time there are plenty of scholarships associated with each and every college. You just have to find them.

Ashley

Go to community college first. It saves you a lot of money and gives you more time to choose the right place to go. Do your research on everything about the places you are looking for. Don't go just because your friends are going.

Charli

Take advantage of every opportunity presented to you. Most of these opportunities will never arise again in your life and you'll find yourself looking back and wishing you had made the most of your college experience. College isn't just about balancing studying and partying. It's about learning things that you will carry with you for the rest of your life, making friends that you'll find you could never have done without, and growing physically, mentally and spiritually. Remember, you won't be laying on your death bed thinking, "Why did I do so much with my life? I really wish I'd have done less." Try new things- you'll learn more this way than you ever could in the classroom; never be embarrassed- because chances are the people around you won't care; introduce yourself to anyone and everyone- there are some interesting people out there; and when things seem gloomy- remember that it can only get better from there and that eventually it will only be something to look back on and laugh at... lastly- be exactly who you're meant to be, and not how other's wish you could be.

Ashlyne

Take your time, and really try to figure out what you are looking for in a college. Because there is always one out there that is best for you!

Victoria

My advice that I would give parents and students is to actually go to the schools and check them out. Visiting, and taking tours and just walking around the campus and town really gets you to feel what it's like. To really make the most of the college experience do everything; join clubs that look cool, extracurricular activities, take advantage of what the school offers, like studying abroad or doing any other things like that. Enjoy the town you live in, embrace yourself in the college life.

Lauren

Finding the Answers Brain racking admissions essays, towering stacks of application papers, and soul-searching questions that you have no answers to.......For a high school senior, it is extremely easy to drown in the endless sea of processes and technicalities that have to be completed in order to find and hopefully be accepted to the college you dream of. However, as daunting as this may be, and as terrifying as it may seem to fly free of your parents protective nest, finding the right college is like finding a new home. Walking across the campus of your future college should feel like walking the streets of your hometown. Friendly faces, smiling upper classmen, and helpful hints should embrace you and just as you feel accepted in the halls of your high school, so should you be welcomed at the college you choose. In regards to making the most of your college experience...squeeze out every last drop of its liberating, who-cares-if-you-went-to-class-in-your-pajamas goodness! College is a time to figure out what you want to do in life and the answers that were so elusive in high school will unfold before you.

Spencer

Make sure you manage your time well by allocating times for studying throughout the week, while leaving yourself plenty of spare time on the weekend to do whatever you like.

Salvador

During your first visit to a college do you feel like its home away from home? As soon as I stepped foot on campus for orientation I was greeted by a girl whom is now my very best friend. It set the tone for the rest of my collegiate career here at Texas State. Although your education is very important, it?s also important to feel comfortable and confident. Two of the qualities I find prevalent here at TSU. Texas State has a great communication program but has so much more to offer. I knew that, even if a couple of years down the road I wanted to change my major I could find something great here. Three years later, which seems like yesterday for me I am a very involved person within my education system and community. Something I never foresaw me experiencing in a populated school of 30,000 students. A little fact of how much I love it here, ?I never did visit Texas State before orientation in the fall, and that might have made the best impression yet!? I let the school and it?s environment set the standard, not the pretenses.

Leah

study and participate in organizations. Research research research!!

Stephanie

Parents and students try to find a college that fits your child or yourself best. Don't let financial worries get in your way on deciding on a college that you want to attend to. Parents encourage your child to have a fun time and safe experience in college. Students make a study time for yourself so you dont get behind in your classes, having a calendar will help you if you write your test and quizes out on the date its given. Try to study as much as possible remeber you have to work,don't let your parents money go to waste! Have fun interacting with students and teachers, they both can teach you alot about the surroundings at school. Last but not least students call your parents on a daily or weekly basis to let them know how your doing they will appreciate the gesture and will be happy to hear from you.

Chris

Directed directly to future college students. College will be the best time of your life. Don't go somewhere for your friends, girlfriend/boyfriend, or because your parents or family is influencing or pressuring you to go there. Go to a school that catches your eye. Go to a school that will help you best succeed in your future career and later in life. Don't choose a school because of what you've heard from others. Find out for yourself by visiting and researching the places you would like to go. Lastly, don't be afraid to go outside the box or against the grain. Wherever you go there is always someone to help and guide you long the way.

Jenny

Research schools, talk to students and save money. Ensure that you visit the campus and actually look up faculty acolades.

Stacy

Look at the size of the school and it's surroundings for things to do. It was a huge deciding factor for me. Austin is only 30 minutes away and a river runs right through campus. I definitely do not feel stranded here. I love where I live, and I highly suggest students and parents look into the living situations the town and university offers. Make sure the college has your desired field and a good program that will help the student find a job before graduation.

James

Wherever the student feels most accepted and comfortable is the right choice for him/her... If times get hard while being away from home, things will eventually fall into place... Do not give up on anything you endeavor and believe in, and always strive to become the absolute best at what you want to do and become in life!

Steven

Research and find a university that fits your environmental confort zone. Do not confine your personality, but express it. It is easy to make friends, just don't hide yourself. Join an organization or club that is right for you and that you can be yourself. Everyone experience classes differently, but take advantage of it to find what you really want out of life. Do not just choose a college; choose the one that attracts your attention and that you can enjoy every minute of. Expand your mind and build your intellegence. Make your self proud of what you have accomplished. That is what counts.

Clarissa

My advice to parents and students about finding the right college would be to follow your heart. When visiting campuses, if a certain college stands out to you above the rest, and you know in your heart that you would be proud to get an education and college diploma from that school, then that is the school you should attend. Picking a school shouldn't be about where your friends or boyfriend/girlfriend is going, it should be about how good of an education your going to get. My advice to students about making the most of the college experience is to put yourself out there. Join the clubs/sororities/fraternities that you are interested in, go to sporting events, support your school, make friends with your peers and your professors. College is not all about drinking and getting drunk, there is so much more to it than all that nonsense. College is about making long-lasting friendships. The ultimate goal of the college experience is to get a good education and graduate, get a job that will allow you to support yourself by making a good living, and set the foundation for the rest of your life.

Marcus

Go to your campus and find out if this is this place you want to live for the next four years.

Joanna

To find the right college, a student must understand their comfort level about several things. If she comes from a small high school, she must decide if she wants a small college with small classes or if she is ready to step outside her comfort zone to attend a college with enrollment that exceeds the population of the county where she lives. Another comfort issue to consider is distance from family and home. If she knows what she wants to study, online research can locate the schools that excell in that particular area of study. Availability of financial aid or loans is also an important issue for many students and is easy to research online as well. Most colleges host orientations in which students are made welcome and meet new friends. Most colleges have social groups and interest groups that are an excellent way to meet people. The best way of all, however, is simply to decide that you are going to approach this new experience with a positive and open mind to new ideas and new people. I am a firm believer that positive thinking and hard work lead to success wherever you are and whatever you do.

Justin

I would tell parents to allow their children to first understand and fully appreciate what college has to offer and not just go to the college or university that is closest to home for sheer comfort sake. It is important to get out and see what the world is really about and have some diversity introduced into a students' life. For pure academic reasons it is important to have an idea in what direction a student wishes to go, but not solely as important as having some fun and excitement thrown into all the academia. Most importantly there needs to be something on campus that will help to hone a students perspectives and knowledge and to attract them to the college that they choose to attend. This will ultimately help them stay focused and accountable.

Erinne

Pick out your degree first before you jump into college. That way you are not around for a long time!